Computer-implemented system and method for managing motor vehicle parking reservations

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented system and method for managing motor vehicle parking reservations is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces are managed through a server. Smart parking devices physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced with the server. Vehicle occupancy sensors physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced with the server. Parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are interfaced with the server. A motorist reserves a parking space. A reservation request for the parking space is accepted. The request is granted if available over any other reservations. Occupancy of the requested parking space is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor. The motorist&#39;s or the motor vehicle&#39;s identity are verified against the reservation through the nearest smart parking device. Parking availability is indicated through the nearest parking availability indicator based upon the current time, any motor vehicle occupancy, applicable parking regulations, or any unfulfilled reservations for the parking space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/393,337,filed Oct. 14, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference.

FIELD

This application relates in general to motor vehicle parking control andmanagement and, in particular, to a computer-implemented system andmethod for managing motor vehicle parking reservations.

BACKGROUND

Public roads primarily facilitate motor vehicle traffic. Vehicle parkingis ordinarily offered as a secondary benefit incident to vehiclethroughway. Consequently, parking is an inherently limited publicresource. Within an urban environment, local government generallyregulates parking at curbside on public roads, in municipal parkinglots, and on other public property through a regulatory scheme that bothprovides revenue generation and promotes public safety and health.Commonly, public parking is regulated through a scheme of fees assessedthrough parking meters for fixed time period parking, by issuance ofpermits for residential, commercial, or special use parking, and throughzoning that regulates permissible uses of property, including parking.Parking on privately-owned property is often offered through hourly feesor some form of parking contract.

Meeting the parking needs of motorists requires more than simply findinga balance between supply and demand, yet the capability to efficientlyallocate and manage on-street parking remains elusive, even when parkingneeds are significant, recurring, and known ahead of time. For instance,urban parking spaces characteristically undergo periods of widely skeweddemand and utilization, with low demand and light use in some periods,often during the night, and heavy demand and use at other times. Aswell, merely finding available parking is only the start, as subsequentoccupancy of a parking space must also be permissible under applicablerules. Parking regulations, though, are often complex and confusing,with time limits on parking in residential and business zones, parkingenforcement undertaken during working hours in neighborhood zones,parking enforcement of loading zone rules and rules governing parkingnear fire hydrants occurring at all hours, and exceptions to parkingregulations made to accommodate select holidays, depending upon themunicipality.

Consequently, the impact of regulated control over on-street parkingaffects all motorists, as well as urban residents, local businesses, andother parties that use or rely upon on-street parking. Drivers seeking aplace to park their motor vehicle are most immediately impacted byregulated parking control. Looking for a parking space wastes time,contributes to traffic congestion, creates frustration, and generatespollution, while violating parking rules, such as by allowing a parkingmeter to expire, can result in parking tickets, fines, or towing. Thesemotorists therefore need both to readily determine on-street parkingavailability and to ensure parking regulation compliance once parked.

In a sense, urban residents are a subclass of motorists with specialrecurring needs. Urban residents often lack garages and must park on thestreet at night, on the weekends, and at other times when they are athome. Regular on-street parking requires particular care. For instance,urban residents may be expected to feed payments regularly into parkingmeters or continually re-park their vehicles when they are home duringthe day, which can be impractical and unduly burdensome. As well, theymay be expected to remember to park off-street when street cleaning orother scheduled street work occurs. As a result, urban residents need toknow more than just parking availability; they need to have parkingpredictability, which can be crucial to ensuring their personal safety,for instance, when arriving home late at night, and for convenience asneeded, for example, when unloading shopping bags from their car or ininclement weather.

The parking needs of local businesses are complementary to the needs ofdrivers and urban residents. Many local businesses depend on theavailability of customer parking for their success. In some locales,tourists and out-of-town visitors may constitute a large percentage oflocal business' customers, and a lack of on-street parking, oroverly-complex parking regulations, can discourage these potentialcustomers, thereby harming the opportunities for local businesses toflourish. Local businesses also often need to ensure that parking isavailable for the delivery of goods or for the use of commercialvendors.

U.S. Pat. No. RE40,013, reissued Jan. 22, 2008, to Quinn, discloses amethod and apparatus for detection and remote notification of vehicleparking space. Local detector devices sense the presence or absence of avehicle in a particular parking space and communicate spaceidentification and status information to a computer network. Theinformation is integrated with electronic street maps of the area. Thestreet maps, annotated with the parking space status identifiers, areelectronically communicated to any number of networks.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,791,501, issued Sep. 7, 2010, to Ioli, discloses avehicle identification, tracking, and parking enforcement system. Thesystem includes a meter system that generates image data of a vehicle ina parking space, public roadway, and highway entrances and exits. Inoperation, the system allows license tags, special parking permits,handicapped tags, or other suitable tags to be readily identified, whichallows parking areas that have been reserved for handicapped or otherpersonnel to be monitored. Unauthorized individuals that have parked inthose locations can thereby be determined. An enforcement and trackingsystem receives the vehicle image data and generates a vehicle licensenumber, vehicle tag identification number, and facial image. From theimage date acquired, monitoring of parking spaces is performed andviolation citations or notices are generated.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,768,426, issued Aug. 3, 2010, to Groft, discloses aparking system employing remote asset management techniques. A vehicledetection system and smart meter identify all information as to aparking space, including when a vehicle enters or leaves, how long thevehicle has been in the space, whether the parking meter associated withthe space is in good operating order, whether the requested charge forparking has been paid, whether the vehicle is in compliance withregulations regarding the space, whether a violation has occurred or isabout to occur, and status of usage of the collection mechanism. Thisinformation is collected, stored, and transmitted to a central commandand control interface, which collates, analyses, and transmits reportsto a display. Thus, all parties involved in parking, from whatever pointof view, are able to monitor the status of all parking spaces in nearreal time and make use of the information developed on an interactivebasis, thereby enabling the highest degree of efficiency in managementof parking spaces through real time parking information collection.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,579,964, issued Aug. 25, 2009, to Nath et al., disclosesa method for intelligent parking, pollution, and surveillance control.Parking meters sense the presence of a vehicle parked in a metered zoneby emitting a narrow signal beam around an area where a vehicle canpark. Two pairs of miniature surveillance cameras are included in thehousing of an intelligent parking enforcement device, such as a parkingmeter. The presence of a vehicle parked nearby is sensed by a sensorbeacon and, on the successful acknowledgement of a vehicle's presence,the system transmits a unique identifier to the parked vehicle andcontinuously monitors the vehicle for idling. The intelligent parkingenforcement device communicates with a automobile registration controlsystem, which is informed of impending parking violations and, whenappropriate, a violation summons is issued.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,393,134, issued Jul. 1, 2008, to Mitschele, discloses aparking meter that includes a micro-controller coupled with a vehicledetector that is focused at associated parking space. A paymentacceptance mechanism is coupled with the micro-controller to receivepayment for pre-paid parking. Operation of the parking meter isinitiated by an interrogation station directing an interrogation signalat an associated parking space and the presence of a vehicle is detectedby a vehicle detector. A parking violation occurs when the operator ofthe vehicle either fails to make payment within a pre-determined standbyinterval or when the pre-paid parking interval expires.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,237,716, issued Jul. 3, 2007, to Silberberg, discloses aparking system for sending messages. The parking system has a parkingmeter in close proximity to a parking space, in which a user's vehicleis able to be parked. The parking meter receives payment and thereafterestablishes a parking period, during which the vehicle is able tolegitimately park in the space. A communication means sends a message tothe user's mobile phone prior to the expiry of the parking.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,019,670, issued Mar. 28, 2006, to Bahar, discloses anenhanced meter utilizing user identification technology. A user orvehicle is identified by communication of user data into the parkingmeter system. If the meter becomes expired with the vehicle remaining inthe parking space, a citation is electronically processed and thereafterdelivered to the user or vehicle owner. A vehicle presence detectorutilizes infrared, ultrasonic, sonar, photoelectric, or other technologyto detect the presence of a vehicle in a metered parking space.Recognition of the user or vehicle further enables the system to limitthe individual's or vehicle's parking time to help regulate trafficwithin a municipality district, as well as prevent people from parkingon a metered location for excessive periods of time.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,355, issued Mar. 21, 2006, to Potter, Sr. et al.,discloses an electronic parking meter system. Electronically operatedparking meters are coupled with a sensor for positively andunobtrusively sensing the presence or absence of a vehicle in aspecified parking space. An induction coil mounted below the surface ofa parking area provides positive signals to the electronically operatedparking meter upon both the entrance and movement of a vehicle into andfrom the parking space. A transaction record can be stored showing exactdates and times of the arrival and departure of the vehicle. This data,when combined with other records, can provide a variety of real timemanagement information to a parking manager, including an electroniccitation issuance system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,317, issued Nov. 23, 2004, to Ouimet et al.,discloses an urban parking system. A wireless network covering a largelocal geographic area is linked to a large number of payment terminals,which are located near a plurality of parking spaces, either at curbsideor in municipal lots. Parking data is gathered from motorists at thepayment terminals, including vehicle or parking space identificationdata. The parking data is sent to the wireless network in response topayment. A plurality of portable terminals is provided for use byparking wardens. The wireless network is used to transmit the parkingdata to the portable terminals of the parking wardens upon receipt.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,493,676, issued Dec. 10, 2002, to Levy, discloses asystem and method for charging for vehicle parking. A parking systemincludes a plurality of mobile parking units that each has a uniqueidentification for installation in a vehicle, and a parking controlcenter for communicating with each of the mobile parking units. Eachmobile parking unit checks its location whenever the vehicle is notmoving and, if the location coincides with a known parking area, acharge for parking is activated until the vehicle resumes travel.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,782, issued Jun. 8, 1999, to Schmitt et al.,discloses an on-board vehicle parking space finder service. When avehicle enters a parking space, a parking meter, equipped with anultrasonic, sonar, or other sensor device, senses the presence of thevehicle and changes its internal state to “occupied.” When the vehicleleaves, the parking meter senses the departure and changes its internalspace to “available.” As soon as the parking meter detects a change ofstate, a data message containing the parking meter identifier orlocation information and parking availability status is sent to a nearbycentral site. When a driver in the vehicle desires to locate availableon-street parking, a request is initiated from the on-board navigationcomputer to the central site. Upon receipt of the request, the centralsite computer transmits a parking space availability message to thevehicle. The vehicle on-board computer displays the parking spaceavailability to the requester.

Conventional parking solutions typically focus on either determiningavailability or monitoring parking space occupancy. Therefore, there isa need for holistically providing a comprehensive set of services todifferent parties with parking needs, particularly in an urbanenvironment.

SUMMARY

Real-time and account-based parking services are provided through anetwork of smart parking devices and parking services kiosks. Eachparking device or kiosk is physically located at nearby one or moremotor vehicle parking spaces. Sensors are also physically located ateach parking space for determining whether a vehicle is parked. Eachparking space has a parking availability status indicator that isvisible to motorists in vehicles from afar in a manner akin to a trafficlight for a parking space. The parking services execute on one or moreservers and maintain real time information about parking spaces, parkingpolicies, parking events, and accounts. Information from the parkingdevices, kiosks, and the sensors is collected into the parking services,which can change the status and other internal state of the parkingdevices. The parking services also interact with drivers, urbanresidents, local merchants, parking enforcement personnel, and otherstake holders through on-line services. Drivers can have parkingaccounts and can establish a parking identity for a parking event byallowing the parking services to read a parking identification card,driver's license, or credit card, or by reading a license plate or othervehicle identifier.

One embodiment provides a computer-implemented system and method formanaging motor vehicle parking reservations. A multiplicity of motorvehicle parking spaces is managed through a networked server for parkingservices. A plurality of smart parking devices that are each physicallyproximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced. A pluralityof vehicle occupancy sensors that are also each physically proximate toleast one of the parking spaces are interfaced. A plurality of parkingavailability indicators that are each associated with at least one ofthe parking spaces are interfaced. Use of one of the parking spaces isreserved by a motorist or other stakeholder, such as a merchant orparking official. A reservation request for the parking space isaccepted through the nearest smart parking device or a remotelyinterfaced device, such as a GPS navigation unit, smart phone, orpersonal computer that communicates with parking services and therequest is granted if available over any other reservations stored inthe backend server for the requested parking space. Occupancy of therequested parking space by a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearestvehicle occupancy sensor. At least one of the identity of the motoristand the motor vehicle are verified against the reservation through thenearest smart parking device. Parking availability of each parking spaceis indicated through the nearest parking availability indicator basedupon at least one of the current time, any motor vehicle occupancy,applicable parking regulations, and any unfulfilled reservations for theparking space.

Still other embodiments of the present invention will become readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, wherein is described embodiments of the invention by way ofillustrating the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention.As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and differentembodiments and its several details are capable of modifications invarious obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and thescope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a computer-implemented system formanaging motor vehicle parking reservations in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing, by way of example, a smart parkingdevice with a vehicle sensor and parking indicator for use in the systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the parking services ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a show parkingavailability service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A-5B are flow diagrams showing a routine for a “log occupancy”service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a “check-in” service foruse in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a “Hold This Space”service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a routine for determining parking termsfor use in the routine of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a reservation service foruse in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a routine for an extend reservationservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a “Find My Car” servicefor use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a recurring reservationsservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 13A-13B are flow diagrams showing a routine for a guestreservation service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a space renting servicefor use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a validate parkingservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a parking couponsservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a customer priorityparking service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a tourist privilegesservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a scheduled deliveriesservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a valet parking servicefor use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a guided enforcementservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a schedule street eventservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Infrastructure

Real-time and account-based parking services through a network of smartparking devices for controlling and managing all manner of motor vehicleparking. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a computer-implemented system10 for managing motor vehicle parking reservations in accordance withone embodiment. For simplicity, parking, whether controlled by localgovernment or privately owned, and regardless of whether curbside, on adriveway, in cutouts in front of a driveway, within a parking lot, or inother physical locations will henceforth be called “on-street parking”or simply “parking”

A suite of parking services 12 is provided through one or more servers11, which are located within a network of smart parking devices 13 a-c,sensors 14 a-c, and parking services kiosks 19. The parking services 12are account-based and enable motorists and other users to determine theavailability of, reserve, and efficiently use parking, as furtherdescribed below in detail beginning with reference to FIG. 3.

The parking devices 13 a-c and parking services kiosks 19 are associatedwith one or more parking spaces and allow motorists to reserve ortransact on-street parking through the parking services server 11. Eachparking device 13 a-c can include a physical parking availabilityindicator (not shown), either directly interfaced with the parkingdevice 13 a-c or remotely connected through the parking services server11. Physical parking availability indicators audibly or visually signalparking availability to motorists. In a further embodiment, the parkingavailability indicators are virtual and are provided electronically tomotorists using their mobile devices, including notebook or tabletcomputers 15, smart telephones 16 and similar personal electronicdevices, and on-board navigational or informational devices 17. Finally,each parking space has a sensor 14 a-c that determines whether a parkingspace is occupied by a motor vehicle, either directly interfaced withthe parking device 13 a-c or remotely connected through the parkingservices server 11.

The parking services 12 and associated parking devices 13 a-c andparking services kiosks 19, as well as mobile devices 15, 16, 17, whereapplicable, implement network security protocols to ensure securecommunications. As necessary different secure communications schemes andlevels can be applied over all communications. For example, public keycryptography could be used in various secure protocols to protectcommunications between all system elements. The specific components willnow be discussed in detail.

Multi-Function Smart Parking Devices

Smart parking devices are located at or near parking spaces. FIG. 2 isan illustration 20 showing, by way of example, a smart parking device 21with a vehicle sensor 22 and parking availability indicator 23 for usein the system 10 of FIG. 1. Each parking device 21 is interconnectedover a network with the parking services server 11. The parking device21 can be networked into the parking services 12 through a wired orwireless connection. In the simplest case, each parking device 21 servesa single parking space 24 in a one-to-one relationship. Alternatively,each parking device 21 could serve a plurality of parking spaces 24 in aone-to-many relationship. For instance, at curbside, one parking device21 could serve two adjacent parking spaces 24. In a parking lot withfacing parking spaces, a parking device 21 could serve two pairs offacing parking spaces 24. Finally, several parking devices 21 couldserve a multiplicity of parking spaces 24 in a many-to-manyrelationship; motorists would enter a number painted on the pavement orother identifier that identifies the parking space 24 that they plan touse into one of the parking devices 21.

In a further embodiment, parking services kiosks 19 (shown in FIG. 1)are located nearby to support interactive transactions for one or moreparking spaces 24. The kiosks 19 need not be assigned to a specific setof parking spaces and can instead be conveniently distributed tomaximize usage within a municipality. A user can simply use anyavailable kiosk 19 to reserve parking, so if a line of waiting usersforms at one kiosk 19, the user can move to another available kiosk 19and avoid further delay. Parking sensor 22 connected to the kiosk couldbe remotely housed, for instance, in low-profile curbside devices andacoustic and visual feedback could be provided to the driver at thekiosk to interactively transaction parking services. The kiosk couldoperate through dedicated software, or execute Web-based applicationsremotely served from the parking services server 11. Other forms ofkiosks and kiosk-based functionality are possible.

Each parking space 24 is also equipped with a sensor 22 for determiningwhether a parking space 24 is occupied by a vehicle. The sensor 22 couldbe locally connected to a nearby parking device 21 or parking serviceskiosk 19, or remotely connected to the parking services server 11, whichthen facilitates communication between the sensor 22 and the nearbyparking device 21. The sensor 22 can be networked through a wired orwireless connection. The sensor 22 could be located in a puck or similarrobust enclosure fixed onto the surface of the street inside of orproximate to the parking space 24, or could be attached to the streetcurb. Alternatively, each sensor 22 could be incorporated into a parkingdevice 21 using, for instance, an acoustic- or video-based sensor.Further, like the parking devices 21, the sensors 22 can be configuredin a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many relationship with a set ofparking spaces 24. For instance, one video-based sensor 22 could bepositioned to simultaneously monitor several parking spaces 24.

Finally, each parking space 24 is equipped with a parking availabilityindicator 23. The parking indicator 23 could be locally connected to anearby parking device 21 or remotely connected to the parking servicesserver 11, which then facilitates communication between the parkingindicator 23 and the nearby parking device 21. The parking indicator 23can be networked through a wired or wireless connection. Analogous totraffic lights that indicate when vehicles may enter into intersections,parking indicators 23 indicate when vehicles may use parking spaces 24.Like the parking devices 21 and sensors 22, the parking indicators 23can be configured in a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-manyrelationship with a set of parking spaces 24.

Parking indicators 23 can provide physical, typically audible or visual,or digital “virtual” parking availability indications. A physicalparking indicator 23 can be in a standalone enclosure or located on aparking device 21 or on a conventional parking meter. Alternatively, aparking indicator can be located in a low-profile enclosure at the curbor on the edge of the curb. A digital parking indicator (not shown) canbe broadcast wirelessly to nearby motor vehicles from a parking device21 or other broadcasting source, such as a wireless transmitter locallyconnected to a parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19, orremotely connected to the parking services server 11. A digital parkingindicator could also be broadcast over a publically-accessible network,such as the Internet, and delivered to users electronically. Forexample, portable or mobile devices 15, 16, 17 with global positioningsystem (GPS) or other location-sensing capabilities could retrieveparking status indicators concerning nearby parking spaces. Finally, Inone embodiment, a parking indicator 23 is provided for each parkingspace 24 and is incorporated into a nearby parking device 21.Alternatively, a parking indicator 23 can be in the form of an automatedsign or display for a group of parking spaces 24 with indicationssignifying which spaces are available.

In a further embodiment, simplified parking indicators (not shown)having a lower physical profile than the parking devices 21, forinstance, through mounting in a low-profile housing or vertical polemounted above the street curb or by integration into or attachment ontothe street curb itself, are provided for each parking space 24.Alternatively, the simplified parking indicators can be embedded intothe curb or within or along the entire length of a parking space,effectively becoming the curb itself, rather than being attached to orotherwise being affixed as a component separate from the curb proper.Whereas with attached parking indicators, naïve motorists may parkindiscriminately in parking spaces that are not available for lack of anawareness as to how the indicators work. With a parking indicatorembedded into and serving as the curb itself, motorists alreadyunderstand the correct meaning of color-coded curbs, as typicallymandated by traffic codes and parking ordinances, and, as a result, nospecialized education as to parking indicator meaning is necessary. Awhole curb parking indicator could be provided, for instance, using alow power large-scale display or similar technology.

The parking indicators 23 tell motorists the status of a parking space24. The parking indicators 23 can provide a visual status indication,such as through color-coded indicators located on a parking device 21.The indicators can be implemented using incandescent lights, lightemitting diodes, reflective surfaces, and similar materials that mayonly require low power, or be unpowered. Under one color coding scheme,a solid red indicator means that parking space 24 is not available atthe moment, a solid yellow indicator means that the parking space 24 isonly available for a short time period, such as less than two hours, anda solid green indicator means that the parking space 24 is available fora long time period, such as two hours or longer. Analogous to bluemarkings for handicapped parking, a solid blue indicator means that aspecial permit, such as issued to handicapped motorists, is required. Ina further embodiment, the color scheme can be extended beyond showingavailability to indicating that the time allotted to park has expired,such as by displaying a solid red indicator to the parked motorist.Other color-coded lighted indicators are also possible.

Alternatively, visual labels or icons could be presented in lieu of astatic color-coded indicators. For instance, a label or icon couldsignal to a motorist that the time has expired or that the parking spaceis reserved. The amount of time available at a parking space 24 couldalso be shown through a label or icon. Similarly, a visual label or iconcould clarify what type of permit is required to park, such as ahandicapped parking permit. Other visual labels or icons are alsopossible.

As well, color-coded lighted indicators could be combined with flashingindicators. A red flashing indicator could be used to indicate a parkingviolation or expired time. A yellow and blue flashing indicator could beused to signal a reserved loading zone available for a short timeperiod. Finally, a red and blue flashing indicator could be used toindicate a parking space reserved for a guest motorist.

Other colors, color combinations, and arrangements of solid, flashing,graduated, or adjusted lighted indicators could also be utilized asparking indicators. Similarly, indicators other than colors, such asshapes, positions, alphanumeric symbols, or icons, could be used todifferentiate states of parking availability. In one embodiment, colorand shape combinations similar to conventional traffic signs can beused. For example, to indicate the non-availability of a parking space24, a plain red octagonal shape or a red octagonal shape labeled withthe word “Stop” could be displayed. Alternatively, a circular shapelabeled with the word “Park” could be displayed with a diagonal linecrossing out the word “Park” to indicate no parking Finally, the colorgreen could be used with a circle, the color yellow with a triangle, andthe color blue with a square, as used in some forms of traffic signage.

The parking device 21 can also serve a parking indicator function. Inone embodiment, each parking device 21 can also have an indicator ordisplay 25, preferably located at the top of the device to enhanceviewing by drivers, showing the time remaining in a parking period. In afurther embodiment, each parking device 21 can also include anadditional indicator or display 26 for presenting other information,such as public service messages or advertising. When a car is parked inthe parking space 24 associated with the parking device 21, the display25 can the time remaining before parking expires. The display 25 couldtransition to a red indicator when the time has expired, analogous toconventional parking meters. When the parking space 24 is available, thedisplay 25 could show how much time is left before any applicable timeconstraint is reached. For instance, another motorist may haveseparately reserved the parking space 24 through the parking servicesserver 11, but the parking space 24 is otherwise available up throughthe time of the reservation. As well, parking may become unavailable dueto scheduled street cleaning or other event. A color overlay could beprovided over the time indication in the display 25 to assist userunderstanding.

The parking devices 21, whether standalone or configured through a kiosk19, interface motorists and other users with the parking services server11. Each parking device 21 and kiosk 19 includes a user interface (notshown) for identifying which parking space 24 is being reserved anddetermining the user's identification. When booking a reservation, theparking device 21 or kiosk 19 undertakes an abbreviated “Hold thisSpace” service transaction, described infra, with the user. Theparticular parking space 24 can be indicated, for example, by displayingthe location of the space on a map. The user's identification isindicated using an account number, credit or debit card number, or otherunique identifier that can be provided to the parking device 21 or kiosk19 through a magnetic strip or bar code reader for scanning creditcards, driver's licenses, parking identification cards, or other formsof identification. Alternatively, the parking device 21 or kiosk 19 canaccept wireless transmissions, for instance, using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, orWi-Max protocols, or wired transmissions of the user's identificationfrom a mobile device 15, 16, 17, such as a smart mobile telephone,notebook or tablet computer, or similar personal electronic device. In afurther embodiment, the parking device 21 can include a camera or otherinput device to visually scan the user's face or read the license plateof a motorist's vehicle, a wireless transponder to retrieve a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag on the motorist's vehicle, or othersensor to identify the requesting user or the vehicle parked.

Parking Services Server

The parking services 12 are account-based. FIG. 3 is a functional blockdiagram 30 showing the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. The parkingservice 12 are supported by a set of services (not shown). The parkingservices 12 and the services are implemented in software and executionof the software is performed as a series of process or method modules orsteps.

Both the parking services 12 and the other related support services maybe executed on one or more computer systems, which may singly or incombination logically constitute a particular form of “server.” Forinstance, in one embodiment, a Web server delivers Web pages and contentto Web-based clients, such as Web browsers executing on mobile devices15, 16, 17. The Web server can be implemented using more than onecomputer, depending upon the load.

Similarly, the provisioning of the system functionality is dividedbetween the one or more servers and the various end-user devices withwhich a motorist directly interfaces, such as parking devices 21,parking services kiosks 19, and mobile devices 15, 16, 17. Programmaticduties are divided between the software that runs in each end-userdevice and the servers. The division of labor balances several competinggoals, which includes a low power requirement for the end-user device,fast user interaction response, and keeping end-user device programmingrelatively simple.

Additionally, the Web server may be supported by caching servers thatcache the Web content and help reduce bandwidth consumption and systemload. The caching servers may also be implemented using more than onecomputer. System state for the parking services 12 is kept in a databaseserver, which keeps track of the state of all of the parking devices 21,parking services kiosks 19, and sensors 24, all of the parking accounts,all of the permits, all of the parking citations, all of the billings,all of the parking policies, and so forth. The database server may beimplemented using more than one computer. As well, the suite of servicescan also be fielded by through cloud computing. Henceforth, forsimplicity, the set of services will be discussed without regard to thenature of the implementing servers or the underlying physical topologyof the supporting computers, except as specifically noted.

At any given time, several coordinated processes execute across theservers. Depending upon the scale of the system, several computers mayneed to work together to carry out each of the services. One set of theservices is engaged with the collection and verification of requests fornew services and changes to existing services. City officials or parkingauthorities that establish new parking policies present a special caseof the services. For example, they may need to initiate a new parkingregulation, which applies over certain hours on certain days. The rulesand parameters for the service could be expressed through a descriptionlanguage for permits, regulations, and the like, with parameters in thelanguage corresponding to policy considerations, what rights areenabled, and cross references to other regulations and permits. Theparking officials specify the parameters governing what regulationsapply in what geographic parts or blocks of the city. Thus, the parkingofficials would be able to state that a parking regulation for a loadingzone has an exception when a parking account includes a “loading zonepermit,” but would be enforced differently when a parking account hasonly a “visitor permit” and so forth.

Another set of the services steps through all of the pending parkingevents. For example, certain parking restrictions may apply concerningstreet sweeping beginning at 2:00 pm. When 2:00 pm occurs, any statuschanges for the parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks 19 on theaffected streets are determined, which can include setting theirassociated parking indicators 23 to signal “No Parking.” Additionally,warnings may need to be sent to subscribed users, typically motoristswho have parked on the affected streets, as well as information toparking authorities to guide them to parking violations. Still anotherset of the services take in new parking reservations, which can includecomparing a request to park in a parking space 24 near a particularparking device 21 with other constraints on the use of that parkingspace 24.

Users interface with the parking services 12 either directly by using aparking device 11 or parking services kiosk 19. Users can also interfacewith the parking services 12 remotely over a network using a user devicethrough a wired or wireless connection. User devices include mobiledevices 15, 16, 17, such as smart mobile telephones, notebook or tabletcomputers, or similar personal electronic devices. The parking devices21 and parking services kiosks 19 also have user interfaces thatinteract with the parking services 12. Yet another set of the servicescan download either parameters or application programs to the parkingdevices 21 and parking services kiosks 19 to drive interactions withusers.

From a user's standpoint, the parking services 12 are accessible throughparking devices 11 that are associated with one or more specific parkingspaces, parking services kiosks 19 that are generally associated with aset of nearby parking spaces, and user devices that allow access to allof the parking spaces managed by the parking services 12. Functionally,parking services 12 are provided in five functional areas, which includeparking event services 31 to handle parking events, driver services 32that assist motorists in reserving a parking space 24 or other needs,resident services 33 that cater to the particular needs of urbandenizens, merchant services 34 that enable local businesses to obtainparking for customers and related needs, and parking authority services35. The specifics of each parking service functional area are furtherdescribed infra. Other functional areas are also possible.

Parking services are provided through a set of parking accounts 37 a-crespectively for drivers, residents, and merchants. Other types ofparking accounts are possible. The parking accounts 37 a-c aremaintained in storage 36 coupled to the parking services server 11.Express, temporary, and implicit parking accounts can also be used. Anexpress parking account is the norm, whereas a temporary parking accountis not permanently stored and an implicit parking account is generallycreated for a single parking event.

The parking accounts 37 a-c provide a parking identity to motorists andother users, enabling transaction-based approaches to reserving,billing, and managing parking. A parking identity can be establishedthrough a parking account 37 a-c. A parking identification card can beissued for a parking account 37 a-c. Alternatively, a credit card,driver's license, telephone calling card, or motor vehicle license platenumber could be associated with a parking account 37 a-c in lieu of aparking identification card. Additionally, a driver may have multipleparking identification cards for other family members or for loaning toguests temporarily. Finally, temporary parking identification cards maybe issued by various organizations that cater to tourists, businesstravelers, and other people, such as tourism bureaus, rental carcompanies, and other organizations.

Users with parking accounts 37 a-c can make parking reservations. Theparking services 12 maintain a set of reservations 38 a-d respectivelyrequested on the basis of driver, recurring, guest, and special useneeds. Other types of parking reservations are possible. During parkingoperations, the parking services 12 also track a set of parking events39 a-c respectively for occupancy, check-in, and holding a parking space24 in real time. Other types of parking events are possible.

During operation, parking is consumed by real time requests 44 forparking from users, who are primarily motorists and the overall status48 of parking availability is continually revised through the parkingaccounts 37 a-c, sensor data 40, and parking device data 41. Inaddition, depending upon the type of parking sought, users may alsophysically submit parking permits or coupons 45, such as issued by aresident host or merchant, or electronically submit parking codes 46,which are processed and validated by the parking services server 11.

As required, availability indicators 43, user notices and parking alerts43, and other information are sent out, either through a physicaldevice, such as via a parking indicator 23 or the display 25 on aparking device 21, or by electronic transmission to user's mobiledevices 15, 16, 17. Other types of input data or output information arepossible.

Parking privileges can be added to a parking account 37 a-c by a user atwill. Parking privileges can be indicated by a physical permit that theuser presents to a parking device 21, or using a digital tickets orpermits that are electronically transmitted by the parking services 12.Parking privilege permits include permits for delivery vehicles, touristvehicles, street cleaning exemption passes, fleet or bulk rate charges,special use, valet parking, taxicab parking, and other privileges. Theprivileges can include receiving bulk parking rates, priority parking,handicapped or senior citizen parking, special event or one-time useparking, such as would be helpful for tourists or other occasionalvisitors, and so on. Additionally, permits for using a parking space 24for non-parking purposes, for instance, to provide a drive-up conciergeor valet service or to facilitate road maintenance or buildingconstruction, could also be provided through a parking account 34 a-c.Furthermore, monthly or periodic charges for parking could be billeddirectly to a credit card or through other pre-set payment arrangementas maintained in a parking account 37 a-c.

The specific types of parking services 12 will now be discussed.Although each of the services is described in the context of aparticular user, such as a driver or urban resident, the services arenot limited to just that class of users and can be equally applicable toall other users, irrespective of specific characteristics, such as placeof residence.

Parking Event Services

Service: Show Parking Availability

Each parking space 24 has a display 25 showing its parking availability.FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a show parkingavailability service 50 for use in the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Ifa parking space 24 is occupied (step 51), any parking availableindicators are deactivated (step 58), although the parking device 21 orkiosk 19 may display a “Meter Expired” or similar notice or signal if avehicle occupies the parking space beyond the allowed time. Otherwise,if the parking space 24 is unoccupied (step 51), the parking services 12periodically determine whether any special permits are required to parkin that parking space (step 52). A special “permit required” indicatoris activated for the parking indicator 23 located at the parking space(step 53). The indicator can be provided through a combination of permitcolor, such as through a variation on the blue color used forhandicapped parking permits, and further information identifying whatpermit is needed through the parking device's display 26.

The time available for parking is then determined (step 54). The timeremaining might be limited, for instance, due to an upcoming reservationfor the parking space or under regulations that prohibit parking duringcertain hours for traffic throughway, requirements for a special permit,street cleaning schedules, or special events. If the amount of timeavailable is less than a threshold (step 55), such as two hours, awarning indication can be used (step 56), such as through a cautionaryyellow indicator. If the time available is more than the threshold (step55), an available indication can be used (step 57), such as through agreen indicator.

In one embodiment, the choice of colors and their assigned meanings canbe varied. For example, one variation might use blue, rather than red,to indicate that a space is reserved. Other variations might useblinking colors, such as blinking red, to indicate a parking violation,blinking yellow and blue to indicate a reserved loading zone, and redwith blinking blue to indicate a parking space reserved for a guest.Still other color variations are possible.

Service: “Log Occupancy”

The “Log Occupancy” service notes when a vehicle has entered a parkingspace 24. FIGS. 5A-5B are flow diagrams showing a routine for a “logoccupancy” service 60 for use in the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Inone embodiment, the bulk of the business logic runs on the servers. Forexample, in providing the “Log Occupancy” service, the interpretation ofdata from each sensor 22 to answer the question, “is there a vehiclepresent?” runs on the associated end-user device, while the remainingcode executes on the server. Changes in the status pertaining to vehicleoccupancy or vacancy are communicated to the server, which server thenapplies rules about what information to send back to the end-userdevice. For instance, the server must access the parking accounts 37 a-cmaintained in storage 36 to retrieve information about the motorist andthe parking space reservation to determine whether “in-and-out” parkingprivileges or other considerations may apply. The server then sends amessage back to the end-user device and requests the associated parkingdevice 21 or parking services kiosk 19 to update the parkingavailability indicator 23 appropriately or display some other message.

This service begins when a sensor 22 detects that a vehicle is in theparking space (step 61). If the sensor is working properly (step 62),either the parking device 21, parking services kiosk 19, or the parkingservices 12 log the time that the vehicle entered the space (step 64)and that the space is now occupied (step 64). The information is relayedto the parking services 12, as applicable. If there is no parking sensor22 or the sensor 22 is broken (step 62), the event can be started when auser manually provides a parking identity to the parking device 21 orelectronically transmits a parking identity and indicates that parkinghas commenced (step 63).

Based on the parking status information maintained by the parkingservices 12, this event can now trigger other actions. For example, ifthe parking space 24 is not available (step 68), such as when themotorist has parked in a parking space 24 that has been reserved forsomeone else, the motorist can be notified that the parking space 24 isnot available (step 67). Presumably, the motorist will immediatelyreturn to his vehicle and leave the parking space 24. However, if themotorist ignores the notification of parking space unavailability andtries to check in, the parking device 21 will disallow the check-inattempt and, if possible, offer a different parking space 24, as furtherdescribed below with reference to FIG. 6. Otherwise, if the parkingspace 24 is available and a fee is required to park (step 68), theparking device 21 can remind the driver to pay the fee for parking (step69), either by depositing coins or other form of payment, or providing aparking identity for billing. Following payment, the driver undertakescheck in (step 70), as further described below with reference to FIG. 6.The driver can also be sent an alert 43 that states how long parking ispermitted (step 71), such as by time remaining. This operation istypically followed by a “check in” service when the motorist approachesthe parking device 21 or kiosk 19.

The “Log Occupancy” service also detects when a vehicle has left theparking space 24 (step 72). The parking device 21, parking serviceskiosk 19, or parking services 12 log the time that the vehicle left theparking space (step 73) and that the space is not occupied (step 74).The parking space 24 may be unoccupied, yet remain unavailable, such aswhere a recurring reservation exists for the now-unoccupied parkingspace 24. Thus, if in-and-out privileges for the parking space 24 exist(step 75), the parking indicator 23 shows that the parking space 24 isnot available and the time remaining on the reservation is noted (step76). Otherwise, the parking indicator 23 shows that the parking space 24is now available for use (step 77).

Service: “Check-In”

The “Check-In” service is used when a motorist goes to a parking device21 to provide a parking identity, or to request another service. FIG. 6is a flow diagram showing a routine for a “check-in” service 80 for usein the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Check-in is physically performedat a parking device 21 or, if applicable, a nearby parking serviceskiosk 19. Check-in could also be carried out electronically using amobile device 15, 16, 17, such as a smart mobile telephone, notebook ortablet computer, or similar personal electronic device, that isconnected to the parking information server 11 over a wired or wirelessnetwork.

In one embodiment, the bulk of the business logic of check-in runs onthe server, while the associated parking device 21 or parking serviceskiosk 19 scans the motorist's identification and sends back the scanneddata. The server then processes the service request, including checkingthat the parking space 24 is available to the requesting motorist and isnot already reserved to someone else. If the parking space 24 is notavailable to the motorist checking in, the server may attempt to locatean alternate nearby parking space 24, which is then displayed by theassociated parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19.

A motorist driving to a reserved parking space 24 out of which aprevious motorist has not yet moved his car 24 could be sent a courtesynotice from the parking services 12 advising that the reserved parkingspace 24 is still occupied. The system could offer the incoming motorista reservation of another nearby parking space 24 or provide compensationfor the inconvenience, such as free parking, credit towards their nextparking reservation, and so forth.

Check-in is started after a vehicle has been parked and when a userprovides his parking identity (step 81) or other identifyinginformation, either directly or remotely, to the parking services 12after parking. Drivers are able to use any of several convenientapproaches to provide their parking identity. For example, a drivercould present a form of physical identification, such as a credit card,driver's license, or a parking identification card, through a magneticcard reader or other input device integrated into the parking device 21.Alternatively, the parking device 21 may employ biometric input, such asa fingerprint or retina pattern scanner. The parking device 21 couldalso include a camera or other input device to visually read the licenseplate of a motorist's vehicle, a wireless transponder to retrieve aradio frequency identification (RFID) tag on the motorist's vehicle, orother sensor to identify the vehicle parked and the user's parkingidentity derived from his vehicle information.

If the parking space is already reserved 24, the system must check thatthe driver is allowed to check in. In the simplest case, the driverchecking in is the person, or is a person who has the same account asthe person, who made the reservation. If the driver is disallowed fromchecking in, such as where the parking space 24 is already reserved forsomebody else, the system could offer to reserve a nearby parking spacefor their convenience. Thus, the parking services 12 use the motorist'sparking identity to access the corresponding parking account 37 a-c andretrieve his parking reservation (step 82). The parking services 12determines whether the parking reservation is valid (step 83). Forinstance, if the parking space 24 is already reserved for somebody else,check-in will be disallowed and, if possible, the parking services 12will offer a different parking space 24 (step 85). If valid, check-in isprocessed (step 84) by matching the motorist and vehicle identities tothe reservation. As well, providing a parking identity to the parkingservices 12 at check-in enables the server to customize and apply theparking services offered to the user based on settings in the user'sparking account (step 86). For instance, if a motorist has a permit thatoverrides time constraints that would otherwise limit the parking time,the parking services 12 would cause the parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19 to display the time available, taking into account anypermits, or digital tickets or permits, as further described infra, thatare associated with the motorist's parking account 37 a-c. Check-in alsoenables a user to simply pay for parking, either by cash or with acredit card, without establishing a parking account. This operation istypically followed by a “Hold This Space” service, as further describedbelow with reference to FIG. 7.

A short vacancy period may be allotted between occupancies of a parkingspace 24 to allow a safety margin in case the previous occupant is latein moving his vehicle. When appropriate, the parking services 12 canenable guided enforcement, as further described below with reference toFIG. 21.

Notwithstanding, traffic enforcement authorities or the tow truck may bedelayed, or other circumstances may intervene, so that a reservedparking space is still occupied when a driver with the reservationarrives. To promote customer satisfaction, various remedies may beoffered to assist the inconvenienced driver. For example, the parkingservices 12 may automatically reserve another available nearby parkingspace 24 for the driver, which could even be a parking space 24 thatnormally requires a special permit. Alternatively, the driver could beoffered financial compensation for the inconvenience. As well, a valetcould be provided at the occupied parking space 24 to take care ofparking the driver's car and providing him with transportation to andfrom the new parking space 24. Still, other forms of remedy arepossible. Finally, the level of remedial compensation may be keyed to aparking service level analogous to airline reservations, which offereconomy, business, and first class service levels.

During the use of the parking space 24, parking services 12 monitorwhether the parking space 24 continues to remain occupied. However, evenwhen unoccupied, availability may depend upon whether a reservation within-and-out privileges or other constraints on the use of the parkingspace 24 exist. Parking services 12 can monitor the passage of time orpoll each parking device 21 and parking services kiosk 19 for changes inparking status. Parking services 12 could alert also the motorist ofimpending expiry of parking and either alert the motorist to move hiscar, or offer an extension of time, if feasible, as further describedsupra. Alternatively, the parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19could track changes in parking status and monitor the passage of timelocally, which would be periodically reported back to parking services12 when polled. Other ways to track changes in parking status andmonitor the passage of time are possible.

Service: “Hold This Space”

The “Hold This Space” service allows a driver to establish an agreementabout parking a vehicle in a parking space. FIG. 7 is a flow diagramshowing a routine for a “Hold This Space” service 90 for use in theparking services 12 of FIG. 1. Where the driver had a previousreservation and the check-in confirmed that the driver is authorized(step 91), the parking services 12 retrieve the terms previouslyarranged in the reservation (step 92) and the driver is offered theoption of modifying the terms (step 93). If no reservation was made(step 91), or the driver decides to modify existing reservation terms(step 93), the applicable parking terms are determined (step 94), asfurther described below with reference to FIG. 8.

The parking services 12 can summarize the parking agreement for thedriver. If the driver is in violation or fails to fulfill the terms ofthe parking agreement (step 94), such as where the driver is notauthorized to park there, has not paid the required parking fee, or doesnot move his vehicle within short grace period, the parking services 12can automatically take appropriate action against the offending driver(step 96), including alerting parking authorities about the parkingviolation, logging the violation, or otherwise enabling guidedenforcement, as further described below with reference to FIG. 21.

If the terms are acceptable and the driver compliant (step 94), agreeting can be sent to the driver, along with a reminder about when heis expected to return and move his vehicle (step 97). Otherwise, if thedriver is in violation or non-compliant, the system could optionallyoffer the driver other parking.

The parking terms can offer different parking options. FIG. 8 is a flowdiagram showing a routine 100 for determining parking terms for use inthe routine 90 of FIG. 7. At the time of making a parking reservation orcheck-in, the driver selects the terms of the parking agreement (steps101-112). By way of example, the parking options include:

Fixed period, fixed price (step 102). The driver could select to pay fora fixed rate for a fixed period of time. Under this option, the drivermust move his car before the end of the parking period. The driver couldask to be alerted (step 107) via an electronic message that will be sentto a mobile device 15, 16, 17 when the parking period is nearly over,such as by using contact information known to the parking services 12under the driver's parking identifier. In some cases, the driver maylater be permitted to extend the fixed parking period from his mobiledevice 15, 16, 17, as long as other time constraints still allowparking.

Open-ended period, higher price (step 103). The driver could opt for anopen-ended parking period. Under this option, the driver does notprovide an end time and parks for as long as needed, subject topre-existing availability constraints on the parking space. The driveris informed of any pre-existing constraints (step 108), for instance,other parking reservations or scheduled street cleaning. The convenienceof open-ended parking times may have a higher fee since the parkingspace is locked up and unavailable to other motorists for an indefiniteperiod.

Open-ended period, escalating price (step 103). As a variation on theopen-ended period, higher price parking option, the price-per-minute fora parking space could proportionately rise as a vehicle is parked for anincreasingly longer period. This approach could be used, for instance,in shopping districts where commerce generally benefits from turn-overin the vehicles parked in that area. For example, the first hour ofparking might cost a dollar; the second hour might cost two dollars; thethird hour might cost ten dollars.

Open-ended period, initially free parking (step 103). In anothervariation on the open-ended period, higher price parking option, a firstperiod of parking might be free, potentially subsidized by merchantslocated on the same city block as the subsidized parking. Thereafter,parking fees might begin after, for instance, thirty minutes. Usercheck-in could still require a credit card, with billing to take placeaccording to the already established parking rules.

Reserved parking (step 104). If the parking space is reserved, theparking device 21 could request the driver to confirm his parkingidentity. If the driver's parking identity does not match thereservation (step 109), the parking device 21 or parking services 12could inform the driver that he needs a valid reservation and that hemust move his vehicle from the parking space 24. As a courtesy, theserver could also provide a recommendation of another place to findparking (step 111) and could allow the motorist to reserve analternative parking space using their parking identity.

Permit privileged parking (step 105). If the parking space requires aspecial permit and the driver's parking account 37 a-c lacks therequired permit (step 110), the parking device 21 or the parkingservices 12 could inform the driver that a permit is required and thathe must move his vehicle from the parking space 24. As a courtesy, theserver could also provide a recommendation of another place to findparking (step 111) and could allow the motorist to reserve analternative parking space using their parking identity.

Discounted pricing (step 106). Various bulk discounts may apply whereassociated with a permit in driver's parking account, or through anassociated fleet parking account.

Driver Parking Services

Service: Reservation.

The reservation service reserves a parking space. FIG. 9 is a flowdiagram showing a routine for a reservation service 120 for use in theparking services 12 of FIG. 1. As described supra for the “Hold ThisSpace” service 90, a parking reservation 38 a-d can be for a fixedparking period, for an open-ended period, or as various permits allow.Additionally, a parking reservation 38 a-d may be for a specific parkingspace 24 or for one of a set of parking spaces.

Allowing users to reserve parking ahead of time raises several issues.Typically, when a driver leaves a parking space 24, the parking space 24becomes available for other motorists to use. However, some drivers maywant in-and-out privileges that could be provided through a reservedparking space for a recurring purpose. For example, a driver may need toreserve a parking space 24 for nighttime parking, but then need to leavesometime during the night to run an errand. That driver would ordinarilywant that parking space 24 to continue to be reserved for him, so thatparking is available upon returning from the errand.

As well, unused yet reserved parking wastes the parking resource. Planssometimes change and motorists that make reservations for parking spaces24 may end up not actually using the parking. To avoid such waste, theparking services 12 could return a parking space 24 to publicavailability if the driver who reserved the parking space does not checkin promptly. Parking spaces 24 could have a short grace period forarrival and check-in. As well, drivers could pay a higher fee to hold aparking space throughout the entire reservation period, which will applyeven if they do not show up.

In another variation, a driver could be sent an alert by telephone, textmessage, or other means if a grace period for a reservation is about toexpire. This message could be handled by a GPS-equipped device, such asan on-board navigational or informational devices 17, in the vehicle.The driver, or a computational agent for the driver, would have a windowof time during which to respond to the alert by telling the parkingservice that they still need the parking space. The driver could beasked to pay an extra charge to continue to hold the parking space ifparking is in high demand or for other reasons warranting an up chargeto the parking.

Parking spaces 24 can be reserved directly through the parking services12 or indirectly through a parking device 21, parking services kiosk 19,or mobile device 15, 16, 17. By way of example, parking spacereservations include:

Reserve a specific parking space (step 121). This option reserves onespecific parking space 24.

Reserve a preferred type of parking space. The parking reservationsystem may differentiate parking spaces according to their type. Forexample, parking spaces requiring parallel parking may be less desirablethan those spaces where parking is at an angle to the curb. Similarly,some parking spaces may be longer, wider, or otherwise more easilyusable for parking than other parking spaces that require comparativelymore involved maneuvering of a vehicle.

Reserve adjacent parking spaces (step 122). This option reserves severaladjacent parking spaces, such as needed for parking an oversize vehicle,trailer, recreational vehicle, limousine, or moving van. Grant of theparking reservation requires confirmation that all of the parking spacesrequested are available for the term of the reservation (step 126).

Reserve a parking space near or within a given distance of a location(step 123). A driver may not necessarily need a specific parking space(step 121) and may be satisfied with a parking space 24 on a particularblock or side of the street or that is within a given distance of aparticular location. The parking services 12 attempt to find a suitableparking space 24 for the driver (step 127), who may then enter areservation.

Reserve a parking space with in-and-out privileges (step 124). Thisoption keeps a parking space 24 reserved throughout the duration of areservation period (step 128), even if the driver leaves for a whileduring the period. Another check-in step would be required when thedriver returns.

Open grace period (step 125). This option holds a parking spacereservation open (step 129), even if the driver is late and does notarrive within an allotted arrival and check-in grace period.

Where a reservation is for any of a group of parking spaces 24, theprocess used by the parking services 12 for setting the parkingindicators 21 proximate to the parking spaces factors in the affect onthe availability of the overall group. For example, suppose that thereare two parking reservations in effect for parking spaces 24 on the sameblock and that ten of the twenty parking spaces are already occupied bycars. In this situation, the parking services server 21 can show all tenof the unoccupied parking spaces 24 as available. However, as the numberof available unoccupied parking spaces 24 decreases, the parkingindicators 21 need to reflect the affect of the two parkingreservations. When only two unoccupied parking spaces 24 are left, theparking services 12 show those spaces as being unavailable to hold thespaces for the reservations. Suppose that three parking spaces 24 wereunoccupied and that a car began to pull into one of those parking spaces24. The remaining two parking spaces would then show as unavailable.

If all conditions are met, the parking services 12 reserve a parkingspace 24 for the driver (step 130), which can be confirmed to the driver(step 131), for instance, by an automated message sent to the driver'smobile device 15, 16, 17, if available and registered with parkingservices 12.

Service: Extend Reservation

Parking reservations give a specification of the time over which aparking space 24 is reserved. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing aroutine for an extend reservation service 140 for use in the parkingservices 12 of FIG. 1. A parking reservation is executed when themotorist checks in (step 141), as described supra. If a motorist arrivesearly for his reservation 38 a-d and the parking space 24 is available(step 142), the starting time of the reservation begins earlier thanplanned. The parking services 12 adjust the parking period and feeappropriately (step 149) and can confirm the revised end time and otherparameters with the driver.

Alternatively, if a motorist wants to extend a parking stay longer (step143), that is, he wants to leave at a later time, the parking services12 will check for any existing time constraints (step 146). Ifpermissible (step 147), the parking services 12 adjust the parkingperiod and fee appropriately (step 148) and can confirm the revised endtime and other parameters with the driver. Otherwise, the motorist willbe informed that extended parking is not available. For purposes ofresource management, the parking services 12 use available informationto inform drivers about parking availability. In estimating how long avehicle will be in a parking space 24, a conservative approach assumesthat the parking space 24 will not become available until the end of theparking period (step 145) as specified in the terms of parkingagreement. If the parking terms allow parking for up to three hours, aconservative parking policy prevent the parking services 12 from showingthe parking space 24 as being available for other parking reservationsbefore the end time. However, if a driver leaves early (step 144), theparking space 24 can be made available immediately to other drivers and,if policy permits, the departed driver can be refunded a partial fee(step 151).

Pricing policies as implemented through the parking services 12 can takeadvantage of the dynamics of drivers arriving early, staying later, orleaving early. For example, a driver considering convenience and peaceof mind may choose an option to stay for up to three hours, even if heexpects to be finished in two hours. Reserving a parking space 24 foronly two hours would cost less, but the driver risks the need to hurryback if delayed. In one embodiment, the parking services 12 can warn adriver via a mobile device 15, 16, 17 that the two-hour limit isapproaching. If the space is still available beyond the two-hour limit,the driver could be offered the option to extend the parkingreservation.

Service: “Find My Car”

People sometimes forget where they parked. Since the location of everyparking space 24 is known by the parking services 12, the informationcan be used to help forgetful drivers find their lost cars. FIG. 11 is aflow diagram showing a routine for a “Find My Car” service 160 for usein the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. If in need, an absentminded drivercould go to any parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19, or couldcontact the parking services 12 using a mobile device 15, 16, 17. Thedriver would check-in, and ask the server for his car's location. Theparking services 12 would confirm the driver's identity (step 161) andsearch the parking records (step 162). If the parking space 24 occupiedby the vehicle is found (step 163), the driver could be provided a map,audio, or visual directions for finding his car. For persons withoutparking identities, the parking services 12 could still provide thedriver with directions upon providing sufficient information to enablethe parking services 12 to find the car, such as by entering a uniqueidentifier assigned to a parking device 21 (step 161).

Service: Summon a Taxicab and “Find Me Public Transportation”

A parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 could also be used tosummon a taxicab. Based on the location of the requesting parking device21, a taxicab service could give an estimated time of arrival and fareestimates for travel to a specified destination. The taxicab servicecould be summoned through an interactive application executed on theparking device 21, or by message-based or voice telephone call. Paymentfor the taxicab could also be automatically arranged ahead of timethrough the user's parking account 37 a-c. In a further embodiment, auser could request a taxicab and run an auction for taxicab services torespond at a specified level of service. The user could then pay for thewinning taxicab service through the parking device 21 and enter into apre-arranged fare agreement with the taxicab.

In addition, a parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 could beused to find public transportation for a user. Like the service forsummoning a taxicab, this service is location-based and uses thelocation of the parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19. Theparking services 12 tie in to bus, train, ferry, subway, and otherpublic transportation schedules and could recommend a route for theuser. The parking identity could be generalized to a transportationidentity, which allows the holder to purchase tickets for publictransportation, as well as pay for taxicab fare.

Service: Summon Help (911)

Each of the parking devices 21, as well as parking services kiosks 19,are networked with the parking services 12. Thus, drivers and otherpeople could use the parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks 19to call for help during emergencies. For example, a person could openvoice or voice and video connection to emergency authorities, dependingupon the configuration of the parking device 21. Further, if a camera isincorporated into the parking device 21, the parking services 12 couldcapture photographs from the requesting or neighboring parking devices21 to document the event.

Resident Parking Services

Service: Recurring Reservations

Some parking needs are recurring. For example, residents may findreserving nighttime parking on the street, either in front of theirhomes or nearby, convenient. The recurring reservation service enables auser to reserve a parking space 24 for a repeating, typically hourly,period for set each day throughout a subscription period, such as by theweek or month. FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing a routine for arecurring reservations service 170 for use in the parking services 12 ofFIG. 1. To book a recurring reservation, an urban resident identifies adesired parking space and reservation term (step 171). The parkingservices 12 check whether there are constraints that prevent therecurring reservation from being booked. For example, use of the parkingspace 24 may require a special permit, such as for handicapped parking,or the resident may try to reserve a parking space 24 that is notavailable because the space is already scheduled to be in use.Additionally, some parking spaces 24 may not allow recurringreservations at all. For example, the space located at the curb cut of aprivate driveway can only be recurrently reserved by the residenthimself, unless he chooses to rent the parking space, as furtherdescribed infra. Furthermore, limits on the length of the subscriptionmay restrict whether a motorist can make a recurring reservation.

If the reservation term is clear of any pre-existing time constraintsand no contention with other residents is discovered (step 172), theparking services 12 book the recurring reservation for the resident(step 174). In an urban neighborhood, though, contention may be more therule than the exception and several residents may want the same parkingspaces 24. To ensure an orderly and fair process of booking recurringreservations in an urban neighborhood, the parking services 12 canimpose a scheduled period for conducting an auction for the contendedparking space 24. For example, the auction may take place on the firstday of each month. Prior to the date of auction, residents can entertheir bids. Special privileges may apply for homeowners, elderlyresidents, the handicapped people, and so on. As well, the biddingresidents need not be present for the online auction, which can occurautomatically. At the time of auction, the parking services 12 evaluateat the bids and assign a winner. All of the bidders are notified. Thewinning bidder gets the recurring reservation. A delay period betweenthe running of the auction and the time at which the first usableparking reservation takes effect for the winning bidder may apply.Several auction-based approaches may be used (step 173), which, by wayof example, include:

Space Auction. Contracts for particular parking spaces 24 may be broughtup for auction on a regular basis. Interested parties could be informedby the parking services 12 with the highest bidder gets the parkingspace 24.

Multiple-Allocation Auction.

An allocation process can be used, where residents specify severalparking preferences and bids. The parking services 12 allocate parkingspaces 24 to balance the residents' needs and revenue.

Auction with Subsidies. A subsidy or advantage is given to particularresidents to for various reasons, such as location or to compensate fordisadvantages or other inequities. For example, a substantial advantagemay be awarded to handicapped or elderly people to enable them to parknear their residence. Alternatively, an advantage may be given to peopleliving closest to a parking space 24 under auction.

The various auction-based approaches could take into account the numberof parking reservations existing on a particular city block or in aregion associated with a bidder and limit the number of parking spaces24 that one resident could hold. In addition, a parking space 24 couldhave an escalating price per vehicle for recurring reservations todiscourage a resident from monopolizing the parking on a city block withonly his own vehicles.

Service: Guest Reservation

The guest reservation service accommodates making a parking reservationfor a guest. FIGS. 13A-13B are flow diagrams showing a routine for aguest reservation service 180 for use in the parking services 12 ofFIG. 1. This service differs from a regular reservation in that theparking services 12 need to validate a possibly unknown guest when theypark. In several of these approaches, the parking services 12 canprovide a grace period for the host and guest to carry out thevalidation process.

Several approaches can be used to enable the guest to check in when theyhave parked. By way of example, the approaches include:

Parking Code (step 182). When a host creates a guest reservation (step181), the parking services 12 generates a parking code, such as afour-digit number, that the guest can enter into a parking device 21 orparking services kiosk 19 at check-in present. The parking code can begenerated in various different ways. The parking code is given to thehost, which he can pass on to the guest or enter himself (step 186).

Guest Identification (step 183). When a host creates a guest reservation(step 181), the host can provide the name of the guest (step 187). Ifthe parking identity of the guest is known to the parking services 12 byvirtue of having a parking account 37 a-c, the guest can use his parkingidentity or other identification during check-in.

Physical Digital Record (step 184). When a host creates a guestreservation (step 181), the parking services 12 send the host a bar codeor other unique digital record (step 188) that can be physicallyreproduced for the parking event, generally by print out by the host orthe guest, together with directions for finding the parking space 24.The guest presents the printout using the user interface of a parkingdevice 21 at check-in.

Digital Ticket or Permit (step 185). When a host creates a guestreservation (step 181), the host receives a digital object, possiblyencrypted, which is electronically transmitted to the guest (step 188).The guest presents the digital ticket or permit to the parking services12 at check-in through transmission from a mobile device 15, 16, 17.

Host Confirmation (step 190). The validity of a guest could be confirmedby the host. The parking services 12 contact the host when the parkingevent occurs (step 191), or the guest contacts the host directly, suchas by mobile telephone. Alternatively, the parking device 21 could opena voice, text message, or video connection to the host. The host thenwould confirm via a networked device that the vehicle in the parkingspace belongs to the guest (step 192).

In a further embodiment, a host is permitted to make reservations formultiple guests at the same time. For example, the host could reserve agroup of parking spaces 24 and get a single parking code or digitalticket or permit for all guests. A guest could park in any of theavailable parking spaces 24 in the group.

The parking services 12 also can help guests find their reserved parkingspaces 24 (step 193). In the simplest case, the parking spaces 24 maysimply be labeled. However, labels may be difficult to see at night.Alternatively, the parking services 12 could cause the parkingindicators 23 to flash using, for instance, red-and-green lights, todraw the attention of the guest searching for the parking space 24. Theflashing behavior could begin at the beginning of the parkingreservation period. The parking services 12 could also flash the lightson or give some other indication using a parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19 when the guest gets near the parking space 24 orrequests additional assistance. The request could be made via anapplication on the guest's mobile device 15, 16, 17 or just be triggeredby the start time of the guest reservation.

If the parking reservation was communicated electronically, such as byemail or text message, a map could be included by the parking services12, as well as GPS coordinates for the parking space 24, which couldboth be transmitted into a GPS application in the guest's mobile device15, 16, 17 to guide the guest to the parking space 24. The mobile device15, 16, 17 may itself be able to alert the guest that they are neartheir guest parking space 24, or could send a signal to the parkingservices 12, parking device 21, or parking services kiosk 19 to ask thata parking indicator 23 or other indication be enabled to guide thedriver in. As well, the guest could be given a telephone number to callshortly before reaching the area to request that the indicators beginflashing. The GPS coordinates of the parking space 24 could also beprovided to applications executing on on-board navigational orinformational devices 17 in the guest's vehicle or on a mobile device15, 16, 17 to provide maps, audio, or visual signals as to the guest asthey near the parking space 24.

Service: Space Renting

At times, potential parking spaces 24 remain unavailable in urbansettings simply for lack of an easy way to indicate the times when thoseparking spaces 24 could be used by drivers. For example, driveways areordinarily on private property and generally unavailable to people whodo not know the owners or otherwise lack permission. Similarly, curbcuts where driveways meet the street are generally unavailable forparking. Moreover, small businesses often have parking lots, which theydo not use outside of regular business hours. The “space renting”service enables individuals holding rights to parking spaces 24, such aslandlords or urban residents, to make those parking spaces 24 availablefor public parking during periods that they specify. FIG. 14 is a flowdiagram showing a routine for a space renting service 200 for use in theparking services 12 of FIG. 1. Preliminarily, if not already present,the city or municipality places a parking device 21 or parking serviceskiosk 19 near the parking space 24 at the resident's house. The parkingservices 12 then associates the parking device 21 or parking serviceskiosk 19 with a controlling parking account. The system enables theresident to make the curb-cut parking space 24 available for renting onsome days, and unavailable on other days, depending upon his schedule.On an ongoing basis, the resident may have some days when he regularlyrents the parking space 24 out, such as while away from home or at work.On other days, however, like on the weekends, the resident may be athome and need his own parking space 24 for his own use.

Residents or other individuals who control a rented parking space 24 areprovided a permit by the parking services 12 that allows them to setconstraints on the use of the parking space 24. For example, theresidents could limit and change the hours of availability, prohibit theparking of oversized vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, taxicabs, and thelike, or only allow certain classes of vehicles to park. Other types ofpermit uses and restrictions are possible.

Several processes are undertaken to facilitate space renting. In oneprocess, the resident applies for a parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19, which would need to be installed near the parkingspace 24 that the resident intends to offer for rental. In a secondprocess, the local parking authorities add the parking device 21 orparking services kiosk 19 into the parking services 12. In a thirdprocess, the resident enters parking constraints, which indicate whenthe parking space 24 may be rented. In a fourth process, which occursonce the parking space 24 has been assimilated into the parking services12, drivers can make reservations, check-in, or leave the parking space24. At a high level, the parking services 12 first identify the residentor rights holder (step 201) and determines the identity of the parkingspace 24 being offered for rental (step 202). If the ability of theresident to rent the parking space 24 is valid (step 203), the parkingspace 24 is added to the set of parking spaces available through theparking services server (step 204). The service thus has the public goodof using potential parking spaces 24 more effectively without the needto build more.

Revenues from motorists parking in these spaces could be shared with theresidents or individuals who control the space (step 205). In oneembodiment, the resident receives compensation on a periodic basis. Theamount of compensation can depend upon the amount of revenue actuallycollected for the parking space 24, which can help guard against abusiverental practices, such as where a resident blacks out the most valuedhours in expectation of receiving revenue for a parking space 24 thatactually sees little use, thereby not actually contributing the spacefor public use.

Merchant Parking Services

Service: Validate Parking

The validate parking service enables merchants to validate, that is, payfor parking for their customers. FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing aroutine for a validate parking service 210 for use in the parkingservices 12 of FIG. 1. One of the service's goals is to make parkingtransactions easier for both merchants and their customers by assistingwith identifying the customer and the parking event.

Where the customer has already checked in to a parking space 24 (step211), as described supra, the parking services 12 has already recordedthe details of the parking event, including when and where the customerparked. When the customer provides identification to the merchant (step212), the parking identification parking services 12 attempt to locatethe parking event (step 213) and validate the parking (step 214). In astreamlined scenario, validation can take place automatically, such aswhen the customer makes a purchase with a credit card. When the customerprovides the credit card at the point of sale, the merchant'spoint-of-sale terminal or similar system automatically checks thecustomer's identity into the parking services 12, which can then findthe relevant parking event. Policies set by the merchant can determinehow much credit is normally allotted for parking, which can possibly becontingent on the amount of sales to the customer. The validationswitches parking charges from the customer to the merchant (step 215).In addition, the receipt given to the customer can contain a messagethanking the customer for their business and telling them that theirparking has been validated.

If the customer does not have a parking identity, or a temporary touristparking permit, as described infra, the merchant could print avalidation ticket or temporary credit or debit card that the customercould take to a parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 to carryout validation. The driver could also simply provide the uniqueidentifier assigned to a parking device 21 to the merchant duringvalidation.

Service: Parking Coupons

Merchants may want to encourage potential customers to come to theirstore as part of a sale or other promotion event. FIG. 16 is a flowdiagram showing a routine for a parking coupons service 220 for use inthe parking services 12 of FIG. 1. One approach to facilitating merchantpromotions is to enable the merchants to issue parking coupons, whichcustomers can use at parking devices 21. These coupons could be givenout at the store or included in advertisements in newspapers ormagazines. The coupons could also be implemented as digital tickets orpermits for use in mobile devices 15, 16, 17.

A customer would thus merely have to first obtain a parking coupon fromthe merchant (step 221), which is then presented at the parking device21 or parking services kiosk 19 (step 222) when they park for free ordiscounted parking. Coupons could be limited to work only on certaindays and times and only in parking spaces 24 in the vicinity of theissuing merchant's store and the parking services 12 would first verifythat the conditions for parking are met (step 223). If the parking ispermissible (step 224), the customer's parking is validated (step 225)and the merchant is assessed their portion of the parking charges (step226). In a further embodiment, if the customer makes a purchase at thestore, the merchant could use the parking coupon at the point-of-sale toupgrade a customer reward or to give the customer an additionaldiscount.

Service: Customer Priority Parking

Merchants may want to provide priority parking for their customers onthe day of a sale or at other times. For example, they may want toencourage customers by providing priority parking for them in front oftheir store. The customer priority parking service enables merchants toallocate these parking spaces for their customers during a specificperiod. FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a customerpriority parking service 230 for use in the parking services 12 ofFIG. 1. Parking is allocated to the merchant by the parking services 12during the specified parking period (step 231). The parking indicators23 proximate to the allotted parking spaces 24 are set to indicate thepriority status of the parking spaces 24 (step 232). For example, theparking spaces 24 could flash green-and-blue indicators, accompanied bya short message displayed on the parking device 21.

When a customer parks in one of the designated parking spaces 24, thecustomer could either request parking validation (step 233) or present aparking coupon (step 234), as both described supra, to have theirparking validated. Other drivers who park in the allotted parking spaces24 during the specified parking period would not be able to getvalidations for parking unless they were also customers and could haveincreased fees charged for using those parking spaces 24 to helpcompensate the merchant's outlay.

In a further embodiment, merchants in a shopping district could jointogether in a promotion to develop district shopping awareness andsubsidize parking during the promotion. The parking services 12 couldgive special discounts or other rewards if the drivers make purchases atmultiple stores involved in the promotion.

Service: Merchant-Guided Policies

Merchants may sometimes find changing parking regulations temporarily tobe helpful to business. For example, an ice cream shop may want toencourage rapid parking turn-over in front of their shop. Amerchant-guided parking service enables merchants purchase changes inregular parking constraints for parking spaces 24 in front of or near totheir businesses. Some limits may apply. This service can be combinedwith customer-priority parking, as described supra, to more effectivelycontrol parking in front of or near a business by raising fees andshortening parking periods for non-customers.

Service: Tourist Privileges

In various locales, business districts are sometimes providedspecifically for catering to the needs of tourists. FIG. 18 is a flowdiagram showing a routine for a tourist privileges service 240 for usein the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. The tourist privileges serviceincludes two separate yet related processes. The first process involvesthe issuing of tourist parking identification cards (step 241). Forexample, a rental car agency may issue these cards to customers, whowish to conveniently run their curb-side parking charges through theirrental car contract. The parking identification card may be offered bytourism bureaus, hotels, rental car companies, and the like. The abilityto issue tourist parking identification cards could be governed bydigital tickets or permit, as described supra. Agencies offering touristbenefits could begin to issue the tourist parking identification cardsupon receiving the digital tickets or permits. These agencies wouldreceive a stack of blank tourist parking identification cards. Usingtheir digital tickets or permits, they would activate these cards. Fortracking purposes, the agencies may be required to fill in informationabout the tourist, sales discounts, and so forth.

The second process involves using the tourist parking identificationcards at check in (step 242). Merchants in business districts andtourism bureaus can also promote business and tourism by providingspecial parking help and privileges to tourists. In effect, a touristwith a parking identification card has a “special permit” that triggersvarious offers when checking into a parking space 24. Tourist privilegescollectively combine services used by the merchants with services usedby tourists and business travelers. Tourists can access privileges usinga tourist-enabled parking identification card. Tourist privileges can bekeyed to specific parking spaces 24 or throughout a tourism businessdistrict. Specific privileges for tourists include, for instance, thefollowing benefits:

Extended Parking Limits. Parking limits may be extended for tourists togive them more time to shop and find their way around.

Reduced Parking Rates. Tourists may be offered reduced parking rates,subsidized by tourism bureaus, hotels, rental car companies, and thelike.

Day Passes or All-Day Rates for Parking. Tourists could also be offeredto day passes or all-day parking rates, along with transportation cardsthat could connect with other transportation services or be used withmerchants for tourist discounts.

Other Discounts. Tourist parking identification cards could be presentedto merchants to qualify for discounts in purchasing goods and services.

Additionally, when a vehicle driven by a tourist leaves a parking space24, the parking services 12 could send the driver a courtesy notice thatthanks him for using the parking service and provide a receipt.Additionally, the parking services 12 could send a notice that their carhas left the parking space 24, which, for a tourist, may be an earlynotice that their car has been stolen or towed. The notice could also beprovided as a service to all motorists and not just tourists.

Service: Advertising

In one embodiment, the parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks 19include a display 26 (shown in FIG. 2) for presenting additionalinformation. In a shopping district, for instance, these displays 26could be used for advertising to promote local businesses. For example,during a sale, a display 26 could run an advertisement for the goodsbeing offered on sale. The advertisements can include color and soundfeatures, as well as directions for reaching the store from the parkingdevice 21. In another example, near mealtime, a display 26 could featurean advertisement for food or drinks available at a nearby restaurant. Aninteractive advertisement, transacted through a combination of thedisplay 26 and the user interface of the parking device 21, could enablea user to reserve a table at the restaurant.

Service: Scheduled Deliveries (Flexible Loading Zones)

Loading zones are often problematic in business districts. Localgovernments often resist allocating loading zones to preserve publicparking, particularly as loading zones can tend to remain vacant duringmost of the day. Conversely, a scarcity of loading zones often seems tooccur whenever several delivery vehicles arrive at the same time.Further, those same delivery vehicles often double park, causingcongestion and other traffic problems.

The parking services 12 can facilitate a more flexible way to arrangeparking for scheduled deliveries. FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing aroutine for a scheduled deliveries service 250 for use in the parkingservices 12 of FIG. 1. The scheduled deliveries service enablesmerchants and delivery organizations to dynamically reserve parking fordeliveries ahead of time. This approach allows the number of loadingzones to flexibly grow and shrink according to need, thereby enablingsmoother deliveries and providing more parking spaces 24 when deliveriesare not scheduled.

The scheduled deliveries service includes two separate yet relatedprocesses. The first process involves allocating parking spaces 24 fordelivery or loading zones. There are different ways to allocate parkingspaces 24. For example, a loading zone can be set up through areservation for a particular driver or can be reserved for anyone with aloading zone permit.

The second process involves check-in, where a driver checks in to adelivery or loading zone. Parking indicators 23 are set to signal theuse of parking spaces 24 for deliveries (step 251). One approach is tosimply use a red indicator for reserved parking spaces 24. Anotherapproach is to use a combination of color indicators and signals toclearly mark a loading zone. For example, a parking indicator 23 couldshow a blue indicator, signaling that a permit is required, and alsoflash a yellow indicator, indicating that the space is available foronly a short while.

Different arrangements for reserving parking spaces 24 for scheduleddelivery can be provided. For example, flexible loading zones include:

Specific Delivery (step 252). A specific parking space 24 is reservedfor a particular delivery. The parking identity of the driver of thedelivery vehicle is verified at check (step 256). Only authorizedparking identities (step 257) enable permissible parking in the loadingzone (step 258). Unauthorized use of the loading zone parking space 24can trigger guided enforcement, as further described infra, and couldinclude automatic reporting of parking violations (step 259).

Open Delivery (step 253). One or more parking spaces 24 are allocatedfor delivery during a set period (step 254). The parking spaces 24 areavailable for any authorized delivery during the period. The number ofparking spaces allocated can be decreased (step 255) as deliveries arecompleted.

Service: Valet Parking

Some merchants wish to develop a high sense of parking service for theircustomers. For example, they may wish to have access to substantialparking at a fixed distance from their establishment. The valet parkingservice enables these merchants to use public parking spaces 24 tosupport a valet parking service for their customers. FIG. 20 is a flowdiagram showing a routine for a valet parking service 260 for use in theparking services 12 of FIG. 1. In this service, the merchant arranges toallocate several parking spaces 24 adjacent to their establishment forvalet parking (step 261). The merchant, who could be representing arestaurant, hotel, special event, and so on, registers one or moreparking spaces 24 with the parking services 24 to be used for valetparking. The merchant provides the valets with the locations of theseparking spaces 24. The parking services 12 does not know where thevalets are parking particular cars and disregards comings and goings ofvehicles in the parking spaces 24 during the time period reserved forvalet parking. The valet parking reservation runs out when time expires.Typically, valet employees greet customers as they arrive to parkcustomer's vehicles for them (step 262). The valet returns the car tothe customer upon completion of their business. The valet parkingservice uses the parking services 12 to simply enable the merchant touse the parking spaces 24 for a valet purpose.

In a further embodiment, the parking services 12 further support thevalet service by keeping track of where each car is located (step 263).For example, the valet parkers could have a number of parkingidentification cards available and could use a variation of the “Find Mycar” service, as described supra, to locate customer cars. The parkingservices 12 keeps track of where the valets are parking the customer'scars. Presumably, the valets use on-street parking. As well, differentlevels of service can be provided along the theme of “how does the valetindicate which car is parked where?” By way of example, the valetparking service levels include:

“Find My Car.” Valets keep a stack of parking identity cards withcustomer car keys. A valet parks a customer's car and swipes the parkingidentity card on the nearest parking device 21 or parking services kiosk19. Later, upon customer request, the valet uses the “Find My Car”service, as described supra, to locate that customer's car.

Paper Tickets. A paper ticket with a printed parking identification isassigned to each set of keys. When the valet parks a customer's car, thevalet swipes the paper ticket through a card reader or other inputdevice integrated into the user interface of the nearest parking device21 or parking services kiosk 19 and requests a valet event number. Thevalet event number is presented on the display 25 and is written on thepaper ticket. Later, the valet enters the event number into the parkingservices 12 and asks for the location of the car.

Vehicle-Centric Identification. The parking system uses anidentification associated with the vehicle, such as an RFID tag, aplacard, or the vehicle license plate number. Later the valet uses theowner's ID or a recorded number to locate the car.

Valet Identification. When a valet parks a customer's car, the valetuses his own parking identity card. A record of where the car is parkedis associated with the time of parking and the valet's parking identity.This information is either printed out or transmitted into a handhelddevice that the valet carries, such as a mobile device 15, 16, 17, forlater print out. The valet attaches the printed information to thecustomer's car keys.

Service: Special Use Reservations

Parking spaces 24 are sometimes used by communities for purposes otherthan parking. For example, parking spaces 24 may be used temporarily asa staging area in a construction zone. Similarly, restaurants may findmoving tables or other outside activities into the street to bebeneficial, such as during late summertime evenings. As well, businessdistricts may want to reserve a block of parking spaces 24 for a specialevent that flows into the street. The parking services 12 include aspecial use reservations service to enable communities, merchants, andothers to reserve parking spaces for special use purposes.

Parking Authority Parking Services

Service: Guided Enforcement

The parking services 12 maintain the locations of each vehicle parked ina parking space 24 under its control and is able to determine compliancewith applicable parking regulations and time constraints, both facets ofwhich can be helpful to parking enforcement officials. FIG. 21 is a flowdiagram showing a routine for a guided enforcement service 270 for usein the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Parking violations canautomatically be determined (step 271) and documented (step 272) by theparking services 12 through examination of the sensor data 40 and devicedata 41 continually provided respectively through the sensors 22 andparking devices 21. Parking authorities can be alerted as the parkingviolations (step 273) and provided photographs and other parkingviolation indicia. Where permitted, the parking services 12 could eventake action (step 274), such as issuing parking violation citations,summoning a tow truck, or take other action. For instance, in lieu oftowing a car, a vehicle immobilizer or parking “boot” could be placed onthe offending vehicle by parking authorities to render the vehicleundriveable. The parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 candisplay instructions to the driver, who can call in or go online to paya parking fine. He will then receive a security code that allows him toremove the boot for later drop off at a collection point. Whether toimmobilize or tow depends on the scarcity of parking spaces and otherfactors.

Service: Schedule Street Event

Similar to special uses undertaken by businesses, as described supra,communities sometime schedule events that require street closure. FIG.22 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a schedule street eventservice 280 for use in the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Street eventparking can be arranged ahead of time. Parking authorities can enter thedates and times for these events into the parking services 12 (step281). The parking services 12 log the time and identifies the parkingdevices 21 and parking services kiosks 19 affected. When time for thestreet event arrives, the parking indicators 23 are set to restrictparking on the street (step 282), rather than having to have parkingcontrol officers place signs or cover parking meters manually.

During the duration of the street event, the parking services 12 handlesituations where a vehicle attempts to parks in a reserved parking space24. If free parking is provided to motorist as part of the street event,parking services 12 ignores the parking space 24. As well, the sensors22 may also detect other non-parking activities, such as activations dueto vending carts, foot traffic, and the like. These non-parkingactivities can also be ignored. The time period during which the parkingservices 12 ignore such parking events can be set at the time that thestreet event is scheduled, or at any time later by the parking account37 a-c for the event. Additionally, the parking services 12 allowauthorized individuals, such as event organizers, to access a parkingdevice 21 or parking services kiosk 19, use an authorized street eventparking identification card, and report a parking violation if they wanta vehicle removed from one of their street event parking spaces 24.

The parking services 12 automatically reset the parking indicators 23after the street event is over. Additionally, the parking services 12can undertake guided enforcement (step 288), as described supra, toensure the event commencement.

Service: Manage Street Sweeping

Street sweeping services are provided in many urban settings. Typically,the hours of street sweeping are posted and vehicles can be fined ifthey are parked on a street during the posted period. Several usefulvariations on managing street sweeping of benefit to both themunicipality undertaking street sweeping and motorists who live onstreets subject to sweeping can be provided by the aforementioned suiteof parking services.

For instance, parking spaces could be more completely utilized if theparking system kept track of when street sweeping is finished forindividual city blocks. Conventionally, no vehicles can be parked inparking spaces on streets subject to sweeping during the entire periodwhen street sweeping is scheduled, even if sweeping has been completedon a particular street before the expiry of the period. Using thenetworked parking services, the parking spaces could be made availablefor parking sooner once the sweeping of a city block is complete. Thenotification of sweeping completion could be made by a street sweepingvehicle equipped with, for instance, a GPS locational device andcommunications equipment capable of remotely interfacing the vehicle tothe parking services servers 12 or other gateway into the parkingservices network.

Residents could also be allowed to remain parked through astreet-sweeping cycle. For instance, an urban resident may need to parkon the street while away on vacation, even during those times whenstreet sweeping is ordinarily scheduled. In this situation, the residentwould pay a penalty for parking during the sweeping period ahead oftime, essentially reserving the parking space, albeit at a higher rate,or by using special permit obtained in advance of the needed timeperiod. The municipality would collect the fee from the resident withoutlogging a parking violation, thereby helping offset higher-cost manualstreet cleaning around the resident's parked vehicle as needed.

Finally, motorists could be provided an alert service if their cars areparked at the wrong time in a street sweeping zone. These motoristscould be alerted by automated text message, telephone call, or othermeans in time for them to move their vehicles and allow street sweepingto proceed as scheduled.

Examples of the Parking Services Server in Action

Friendly on-Street Parking Services for Shoppers and Merchants

When convenient parking for a store or shopping district is unavailableor unpredictable, shoppers are discouraged from going out. Furthermore,merchants have no direct way to encourage people to drive to theirstores, such as by easily validating on-street parking. As well, tourismbureaus have no way to promote access for visitors by simplifyingon-street parking or by giving visitors preferential treatment inparking or violation handling.

The time needed to complete everyday errands is often variable and thetime required to find parking in a business district depends upontraffic and the level of parking occupancy. After parking, people maybrowse, shop, run errands, or dine, all of which require a variableamount of time. With fixed time periods for parking, these people needto return to parking meters to pay for additional parking time beforethe meter expires, or they must move their cars when the time limit forparking in one particular parking space has been reached.

These parking situations are bad for business. When shoppers need toreturn to their cars, they may decide to simply leave and skip furtherretail purchases. People who value their time have no way to translatetheir needs and level of urgency into increased on-street parkingavailability or predictability. Merchants also lack the means toincentivize people to come to their district, or to modify parkingpolicies in ways that promote business for themselves or their businessdistrict.

The real-time and account-based parking services provided through theparking services 12 and a network of smart parking devices 21 addressthe needs of these individuals. In a typical scenario, a driver cancheck that a parking space 24 is available and can then simply park hisvehicle. A sensor 22 detects that the parking space 24 is now occupiedand prompts the driver to check in and provide a parking identity forthe parking event. The driver may swipe a parking identification card,credit card, or other form of identification at the parking device 21,thereby enabling the parking services 12 to determine the driver'sidentity, validate any required parking privileges, and log the parkingevent. Later, the driver might make purchases at a local store. By usingthe customer's parking identity, the parking services 12 can identifythe current parking event, log a parking validation for the customer,and cover the customer's parking charges for a period.

Additionally, merchants, civic groups, and other similar interests couldobtain special permits or specialized accounts for interacting with theparking services 12. In addition to providing validation of customerparking, merchants can reserve also parking spaces 24 in front of theirstores for scheduled deliveries, thus reducing the congestion-inducingpractice of double-parking to unload goods.

Residential Parking Services

In urban neighborhoods, residents sometimes lack garages and have topark on the street at night. They also sometimes have parking needsduring the day. In neighborhoods with conventional coin-fed parkingmeters, residents spending the day at home are forced to continuallyfeed coins to the parking meter or move their car, which can beinconvenient and frustrating.

The parking services provided through the parking services 12 and anetwork of smart parking devices 21 also address the needs of theseindividuals. Urban residents can reserve on-street parking spaces 24near their home for overnight or daytime parking. The policies enforcedfor signing up for parking services may give preferred treatmentaccording to various criteria, such as residential address, level ofparking utilization on the street, and according to any permitspossessed by the resident, such as for handicapped parking.

The parking indicators 23 tell drivers when a parking space 24 isavailable. When someone pulls into a reserved parking space 24, a nearbyparking device 21 provides a visual or audio reminder to check in. Thedriver provides his parking identity by swiping a parking identificationcard or other identifying data. In a further embodiment, a transponderor similar device can automatically retrieve an RFID tag or otherwireless identifier from the vehicle, or a camera integrated into theparking device 21 could read the vehicle's license plate. When a vehicleparks in a reserved parking space, the parking device 21 can issue awarning that the parking space 24 is reserved. If an unauthorized drivertries to check in for parking in a parking space 24 reserved for someoneelse, the parking services 12 can refuse payment and deny parking.

Additionally, the parking services 12 can alert parking enforcementresources about parking violations, thereby taking the urban residentout of the loop of satisfying his parking reservation. If theunauthorized driver does not remove his vehicle within a state time, theparking services 12 could, for instance, summon a parking enforcementofficer to issue a ticket and a tow truck to remove the offendingvehicle. The parking device 21, as well as surrounding parking devices21, could also take pictures to document the parking violation. Wherethe parking services 12 know the identification of the driver,photographic evidence generated through the parking device 21 couldsupport issuance of a traffic citation.

In addition, the parking services 12 can alert drivers if they are atrisk of a parking violation. For example, drivers could receive timelyalerts if a street cleaning time is approaching and they have left theircar in an affected parking space 24 under control of the parkingservices 12. In another example, drivers could be alerted if theirparking time is almost expired where a time limit applies or whenanother driver has previously reserved the parking space 24. Likewise,drivers occasionally forget where they parked. Since the parkingservices 12 has global knowledge of all cars parked in controlledparking spaces 24, drivers could use the “Find My Car” service at anyparking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 to locate their car.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described asreferenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art willunderstand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented system for managing motorvehicle parking reservations, comprising: a server configured to managea multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces disbursed over aplurality of physically-separate and openly-disbursed parking locationsthrough a centrally-located server, the server configured to interfaceover a computer network and comprising a memory and a computerprocessor, the computer processor operatively coupled to the memory andconfigured to execute computer executable program modules; a pluralityof smart parking devices interfacing to the server via the computernetwork, wherein each of the plurality of smart parking devicescorresponds to at least one of the parking spaces; a plurality ofvehicle occupancy sensors interfacing to the server via the computernetwork, wherein each of the plurality of vehicle occupancy sensorscorresponds to at least one of the parking spaces; a plurality ofparking availability indicators interfacing to the server via thecomputer network that are each associated with each one of the parkingspaces, each of the parking availability indicators comprising aplurality of indications that correspond to an availability of each ofthe associated parking spaces for parking, based upon actual, reserved,and restricted use of the parking space as provided to the parkingavailability indicator by the server, and by the smart parking deviceand the vehicle occupancy sensor that both correspond to each of theparking spaces with which the parking availability indicator isassociated; the computer processor configured to reserve, through theserver, use of one of the parking spaces by a motorist, by performing atleast the following steps: accepting a reservation request for the useof the parking space and granting the request if the requested parkingspace is available; sensing occupancy of the requested parking space bya motor vehicle, through the vehicle occupancy sensor that correspondsto the parking space; and verifying at least one of the identity of themotorist and the motor vehicle against the reservation through the smartparking device that corresponds to the parking space; and the computerprocessor further configured to indicate parking availability of eachparking space through the parking availability indicator thatcorresponds to each of the parking spaces based upon the combination ofany motor vehicle occupancy in the parking space and at least one ofapplicable parking regulations, an amount of time available for parkingat the parking space, a type of permit required for parking at theparking space, and any unfulfilled reservations for the parking space.2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: a kiosk thatcorresponds to one or more of the parking spaces interfacing to theserver, wherein the reservation of any of the one or more parking spacesis transacted via the kiosk.
 3. A system according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a user device remotely interfacing to the server, the userdevice comprising one of a smart mobile telephone, notebook computer,tablet computer, vehicle navigation system, personal electronic device,and the nearest smart parking device, wherein the reservation of any ofthe multiplicity of parking spaces is transacted via the user device. 4.A system according to claim 1, wherein the parking availabilityindicator comprises at least one of: a housing comprising a plurality ofvisual indications of parking availability in the parking space to whichthe parking availability indicator is closest; a housing comprising aplurality of audible indications of parking availability in the parkingspace to which the parking availability indicator is closest; and avirtual display transmitted from a wireless transmitter connected toeither the closest smart parking device or the server, wherein thewireless transmitter broadcasts the virtual display comprisingindications of parking availability in the parking space to which awireless receiver is closest.
 5. A system according to claim 4, whereinthe housing further comprises at least one of: a standalone enclosurecontaining the housing and fixedly placing the parking availabilityindicator proximate to the parking space for which parking availabilityis indicated; a mounting connecting the housing to at least one of thesmart parking device and a conventional parking meter located mostproximate to the parking space for which parking availability isindicated; and a low-profile enclosure containing the housing andfixedly placing the parking availability indicator at the curb or on theedge of the curb located most proximate to the parking space for whichparking availability is indicated.
 6. A system according to claim 4,wherein the visual indications comprise at least one of: one or more ofsolid, graduated, and flashing indicators indicative of the parkingavailability; and one or more of unique shapes, positions, alphanumerictext, symbols, and icons indicative of the parking availability.
 7. Asystem according to claim 1, wherein the smart parking device and theparking availability indicator for the same parking space are comprisedin a shared physical housing situated closest to the same parking space.8. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: a database coupledwith the server configured to provide accounts for managing thereservations via the server comprising one or more of parkingreservation, permits, citations, billings, and policies, whichrespectively manage reserving use, exceptions, violations, charges, andrules of use applicable to the parking spaces.
 9. A system according toclaim 1, wherein the parking spaces are located at least one ofcurbside, on a driveway, in a cutout in front of a driveway, in aparking lot, on a street, and off a street.
 10. A computer-implementedmethod for managing motor vehicle parking reservations, comprising: acentrally-located server configured to interface over a computer networkand comprising a memory and a computer processor, the computer processoroperatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute computermodules, wherein the server manages a multiplicity of motor vehicleparking spaces disbursed over a plurality of physically-separate andopenly-disbursed parking locations; interfacing, by the computerprocessor via the computer network, a plurality of smart parking devicesthat each corresponds to at least one of the parking spaces;interfacing, by the computer processor via the computer network, aplurality of vehicle occupancy sensors that each corresponds to at leastone of the parking spaces; and interfacing, by the computer processorvia the computer network, a plurality of parking availability indicatorsthat are each associated with at least one of the parking spaces, eachof the parking availability indicators comprising a plurality ofindications that correspond to an availability of each of the associatedparking spaces for parking, based upon actual, reserved, and restricteduse of the parking space as provided to the parking availabilityindicator by the server, and by the smart parking device and the vehicleoccupancy sensor that both correspond to each of the parking spaces withwhich the parking availability indicator is associated; reserving, bythe server, use of one of the parking spaces by a motorist, wherein thereserving step further comprises: accepting, by the server, areservation request for the use of the parking space and granting therequest if the requested parking space is available; sensing occupancyof the requested parking space by a motor vehicle through the vehicleoccupancy sensor that corresponds to the parking space; and verifying atleast one of the identity of the motorist and the motor vehicle againstthe reservation through the smart parking device that corresponds to theparking space; and indicating parking availability of each parking spaceby the parking availability indicator that corresponds to each parkingspace based upon the combination of any motor vehicle occupancy in theparking space and at least one of applicable parking regulations, anamount of time available for parking at the parking space, a type ofpermit required for parking at the parking space, and any unfulfilledreservations for the parking space.
 11. A method according to claim 10,further comprising: interfacing a kiosk to the server, wherein the kioskcorresponds to one or more of the parking spaces, and wherein thereservation of any of the one or more parking spaces is transacted viathe kiosk.
 12. A method according to claim 10, further comprising:remotely interfacing a user device to the server, the user devicecomprising one of a smart mobile telephone, notebook computer, tabletcomputer, vehicle navigation system, personal electronic device, and thenearest smart parking device, wherein the reservation of any of themultiplicity of parking spaces is transacted via the user device.
 13. Amethod according to claim 10, wherein the parking availability indicatorcomprises at least one of: providing a housing comprising a plurality ofvisual indications of parking availability in the parking space to whichthe parking availability indicator is closest; providing a housingcomprising a plurality of audible indications of parking availability inthe parking space to which the parking availability indicator isclosest; and providing a virtual display transmitted from a wirelesstransmitter connected to either the closest smart parking device or theserver, wherein the wireless transmitter broadcasts the virtual displaycomprising indications of parking availability in the parking space towhich a wireless receiver is closest.
 14. A method according to claim13, wherein the housing further comprises at least one of: providing astandalone enclosure containing the housing and fixedly placing theparking availability indicator proximate to the parking space for whichparking availability is indicated; providing a mounting connecting thehousing to at least one of the smart parking device and a conventionalparking meter located most proximate to the parking space for whichparking availability is indicated; and providing a low-profile enclosurecontaining the housing and fixedly placing the parking availabilityindicator at the curb or on the edge of the curb located most proximateto the parking space for which parking availability is indicated.
 15. Amethod according to claim 13, wherein the visual indications comprise atleast one of: providing one or more of solid, graduated, and flashingindicators indicative of the parking availability; and providing one ormore of unique shapes, positions, alphanumeric text, symbols, and iconsindicative of the parking availability.
 16. A method according to claim10, wherein the smart parking device and the parking availabilityindicator for the same parking space are comprised in a shared physicalhousing situated closest to the same parking space.
 17. A methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising: providing accounts formanaging the reservations through the server via the network comprisingone or more of parking reservation, permits, citations, billings, andpolicies, which respectively manage reserving use, exceptions,violations, charges, and rules of use applicable to the parking spaces.18. A method according to claim 10, wherein the parking spaces arelocated at least one of curbside, on a driveway, in a cutout in front ofa driveway, in a parking lot, on a street, and off a street.